Creating Effective Maintenance Procedures

Introduction:

As equipment and processes become more elaborate, it is essential for maintainers and operators to follow clear, written procedures. Without such guidance, they may face challenges in operating effectively and safely. Written procedures, defined in clearly outlined stages, are necessary for enterprise success. Fortunately, there are management practices that support the development of these procedures. In fact, many processes today are governed by regulations that mandate such controls.

This international standard emphasizes the importance of control measures and the use of written procedures as integral elements of a company's safety and quality management system. This course on the effective writing of maintenance procedures aims to enhance participants' abilities to create, update, and maintain clear and precise procedures, ultimately improving efficiency.

Objectives

By the end of this maintenance procedure writing course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the requirements and procedures for documentation and information management.
• Interpret safety, environmental, and quality requirements.
• Choose an appropriate structure for a procedure management system.
• Prepare and present maintenance and operational procedures effectively.
• Manage the circulation and distribution of procedures.

Training Methodology

• Interactive Workshops
• Case Studies
• Hands-On Exercises
• Group Discussions
• Simulation Tools
• Expert Lectures

Course Outline

Unit 1: Introduction

• Importance of written procedures in organizations.
• Types of maintenance procedures and their documentation.
• The evolution of procedures and documentation in recent years.
• Political and safety aspects related to procedures.

Unit 2: Maintenance and Operating Procedure Management System Design

• Specification of the system and CMMS requirements.
• Study of user needs and justifications for procedures.
• Necessary criteria for procedure development.
• Sections and layout of different procedure types.
• RASCI (Responsible, Accountable, Supportive, Consulted, Informed) model for procedures.

Unit 3: Procedure Writing Efficiency

• Information sources for procedure writing.
• Strategies for efficient and effective procedure writing.
• Formatting techniques to improve legibility.
• Use of templates, boilerplates, and auto-texts.
• Practical: Apply tools and techniques to efficiently complete tasks.

Unit 4: Procedure Writing

• Effective phrasing, syntax, and vocabulary.
• Leveraging OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) information sources.
• Utilizing subject matter experts.
• Practical: Draft a procedure.

Unit 5: Procedure Control

• Review and approval processes for procedures.
• Consolidation, revision, and dissemination of procedures.
• Distribution matrix for procedure hard copies.
• Iterative updates and revision processes.
• Techniques to enhance end-user engagement with procedures.